Few artists possess the flair and showmanship of Russian pianist Yulianna Avdeeva. Fewer still can boast of artistic genius to match such an air of finesse. Perched center stage by the grand piano at Davies Symphony Hall on Nov. 12, Avdeeva was a spectacle of pure class. Utterly precise yet Read More…
There’s a certain quality to seeing Bob Dylan perform in person that cannot fully be expressed in writing: It’s communicated with the simple tip of his characteristic pork pie hat, the hard-worn thousand yard stare and the familiar voice that originates not from the larynx or diaphragm, but from some Read More…
This past weekend, San Francisco’s annual Treasure Island Music Festival took place right in the middle of bay waters. Along with a gathering of food trucks and an array of artistic booths and exhibits, festival-goers enjoyed performances by the hippest names in music today, from The xx to the Divine Read More…
The xx What does it mean to be the closing act at a major festival? It means you’re the shit. The xx came on stage Sunday night to the festivals largest crowd. When the trio took their positions, a giant illuminated plexiglass “X” towered behind them; in front of them Read More…
We look back on our favorite sets from the annual SF musical festival that happened last weekend. Ty Segall Overly distorted guitars, thrashing vocals and mops of hair flying all over the place. This was Ty Segall’s performance at the Tunnel Stage, with the view of his hometown San Francisco Read More…
One might wonder how a four-piece band like Grizzly Bear would be able to pull off their songs live with the help of only one extra touring member. After all, their songs tend to involve many time-signature changes, multifaceted vocal harmonies and instruments ranging from guitars and keys to woodwinds Read More…
A first listen to Brazilian electronic artist Amon Tobin’s latest album ISAM: Control Over Nature (Ninja Tune), released a little over a year ago, may have resulted in confusion for some. The disjointed electronic sounds created by Tobin were more comparable to scary bedtime stories than enjoyable music. But fast-forward Read More…
They came. They saw. They most likely got cold due to all the fog. Our arts staff, Sarah Burke, David Bradford and Ian Birnam recap the best of Outside Lands 2012. Passion Pit Passion Pit played just as the sun was setting. Behind them glowed the orange and pink watercolor Read More…
In this day and age, it’s easy to become cynical about music. With all the speed technology has granted us, our attention spans have consequently shortened, our patience dwindling to mere nothings. To cater to these allegedly short attention spans, it doesn’t seem like such a stretch to argue that Read More…
Almost exactly a year ago, the remaining members of Sublime, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, rose from a perpetual sleep and released an album entitled Yours Truly. The band featured 24-year-old Rome Ramirez as lead singer, an unofficial heir to the throne once occupied by the late Bradley Nowell. A Read More…
